Gemotions

The hammering felt distant, muted by the closed windows. From inside her house, Maria could feel the vibration nonetheless. She was at the piano, practicing a difficult Chopin nocturne. Her fingers felt stiff, and she stumbled over a passage. She took a deep breath.

She had already endured weeks of arguing with the contractor. The back and forth had been exhausting. Now, she felt a calmness settle. This was the final hurdle.

She closed her eyes and ran her fingers over the keys. She had other things to do. She had time. She started the difficult passage again, slowly and with determination.